Psalm 6:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 6:1-7

These verses speak the language of a heart truly humbled under humbling providences, of a broken and contrite spirit under great afflictions, sent on purpose to awaken conscience and mortify corruption. Those heap up wrath who cry not when God binds them; but those are getting ready for mercy who, under God's rebukes, sow in tears, as David does here. Let us observe here, I. The representation he makes to God of his grievances. He pours out his complaint before him. Whither else should a child... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 6:4

Return, O Lord ,.... By this it seems that the Lord had withdrawn himself, and was departed from the psalmist, wherefore he entreats him to return unto him, and grant him his gracious presence. God is immense and omnipresent, he is everywhere: going away and returning cannot be properly ascribed to him; but he, nay be said to depart from his people, as to sensible communion with him, and enjoyment of him, when he hides his face, withdraws his gracious presence, and the comfortable... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 6:4

Return, O Lord - Once I had the light of thy countenance, by sin I have forfeited this; I have provoked thee to depart: O Lord, return! It is an awful thing to be obliged to say, Return, O Lord, for this supposes backsliding; and yet what a mercy it is that a backslider may Return to God, with the expectation that God will return to him! read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 6:4

Verse 4 4.Return, O Lord. In the preceding verses the Psalmist bewailed the absence of God, and now he earnestly requests the tokens of his presence, for our happiness consists in this, that we are the objects of the Divine regard, but we think he is alienated front us, if he does not give us some substantial evidence of his care for us. That David was at this time in the utmost peril, we gather from these words, in which he prays both for the deliverance of his soul, as it were, from the jaws... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 6:1-10

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 6:1-10

The moan of a saint, and the mercy of his God. For the significance of the title of this psalm, see the Exposition. An expositor well remarks that the confessed uncertainty on the part of the best Hebrew scholars as to the meaning or many of the titles is a striking proof of their antiquity, since it shows that the clue thereto is lost in oblivion. This psalm belongs to those specified under the first head of our introductory homily, as one of those in which we have the strugglings and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 6:1-10

A cry to God, and its response. I. THE CRY OF THE FAINTING SOUL . Circumstances are adverse. There is gloom without and within. Conscience accuses. God seems full of wrath. Death is regarded, not as a release, but as the minister of judgment; and the grave, not as a quiet resting-place, but as a "pit," loathsome and terrible. Amidst the darkness, and with fears on every side: 1 . God ' s indignation is deprecated . Affliction is hard to bear; but with God's wrath it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 6:1-10

Night and morning in the soul. I. NIGHT . There is darkness. God hides himself. There is dreariness. The soul is left alone with sad and distressing thoughts. There is depression. The ghosts of past misdeeds rise up. There are nameless terrors. But though perplexed, there need not be despair. God is near. He can help. He can even give songs in the night. II. MORNING . Light comes, bringing hope and peace. God has beard the cry of his child. Such deliverances are comforting. They... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 6:1-10

Great afflictions, greater consolation. The language m this psalm may seem exaggerated and unreal. But it is not so. Want of imagination and sympathy in some, and want of experience in others, make them unfit judges. We neither know our strength nor our weakness till we are tried. The man who may have stood up to help others in their troubles may be cast down and disconsolate when visited with trouble himself ( Job 4:3-5 ). Learn— I. THAT THERE ARE WORSE AFFLICTIONS THAN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 6:1-10

Deliverance from sore trouble. "In the malice of his enemies David sees the rod of God's chastisement, and, therefore makes his prayer to God for deliverance. The struggle has lasted so long, the grief is so bitter, that his health has given way, and he has been brought to the gates of the grave. But ere long light and peace visit him, and he breaks forth into the joy of thanksgiving." I. A PICTURE OF COMPLICATED DISTRESS . 1 . Danger from outward foes. Producing constant... read more

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